MOSCOW, Idaho — The Vandals survived a scare from the #25 Lumberjacks in a thrilling 23-17 homecoming win.
It was the Vandals’ first conference win of the season, coming against a red-hot NAU squad who rolled #10 Sacramento State last week.
Jack Wagner opened the scoring for Idaho, floating a 9-yard touchdown pass to a wide open Mike Martinez, his first catch of the year.
NAU responded the following drive. QB Ty Pennington connected with Bryzai White on a 50-yard bomb to take the lead 7-6.
The Vandals would score on consecutive 75 yard drives, the first from running back Nate Thomas who went untouched into the endzone on a 13-yard run. The following drive, QB Nick Josifek found to Jordan Dwyer on a 23-yard pass to extend Idaho’s lead.
Cameron Pope would extend the lead 23-10 after drilling a 40-yard field goal.
The Lumberjacks clawed back late; QB PJ London powered into the endzone on a read option with just 4:11 remaining in the 4th quarter.
After forcing a three-and-out, the Lumberjacks got the ball back with 2:31 remaining. The Jacks advanced the ball to midfield, but that was all the Vandals would bend.
Dwayne McDougle broke up a fourth down pass across the middle of the field to seal the win for Idaho before a raucous homecoming crowd.
Idaho (4-2, 1-1) looks ahead to undefeated #4 Montana State (6-0, 2-0), who throttled Idaho State 55-17 on Saturday.
The Vandals will have a national audience watching; kickoff is at 7:15 p.m. on ESPN2.
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